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1 lb. pkg. pitted prunes
1/2 lb. (1 1/2 c.) raisins
2 cinnamon sticks
6 c. water
4 oz. (1 c.) dried apricots
1 (8 3/4 oz.) can unsweetened cherries & juice
3 tbsp. quick cooking tapioca
1/4 c. sugar

Put prunes, raisins, cinnamon sticks and water in a large, heavy skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer about 30 minutes or until prunes and raisins are soft.

Add apricots and cook for 10 minutes or until they are plump and soft.

Pour off liquid from cooked fruit into another kettle. (You may need another set of hands to help with this.) Add juice from cherries to liquid. Then add tapioca and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until tapioca is clear, about 30 minutes.

Add thickened juice and cherries to fruit. Stir. You can add slices of oranges and lemons to this mixture for color. Serve warm or cold. Serves 12.